Let’s face it, marketing can be tricky. There are so many elements to it and it is evolving so quickly that getting professional assistance is highly recommended. In fact, even if you do have a marketing agency working for you, there are still a number of things that you will need to know about marketing to get it right from the get-go.
We spoke to some marketing agencies and found out what they wish small businesses knew about marketing. Whether it is related to expectations for the agency, or the basics of marketing, there were a number of things that agencies raised.
So, whether you are starting on your marketing journey for the first time, or are working with a marketing agency, we thought we would take a look at the things that you need to know. Let’s get stuck right in.
Most companies hire agencies to produce and post content for them. But the fact of the matter is, most companies do not put enough emphasis on the importance of content. They don’t seem to realize the power that content really has.
So, when it comes to hiring a marketing agency, a few things are vital for content:
While many companies focus on quantity, quality is still what customers want to see. They also want to see videos and images and be blown away by storylines.
So, if you are not creating videos yet, now is the time. There are numerous options out there, so you don’t have to limit yourself. For example, you can look for a professional video production company in Dubai to help you create high-quality videos that will catch the attention of your prospects.
The next point that came up repeatedly was the fact that a lot of companies are behind the times when it comes to online tools and platforms. What is great about this digital age is that you can automate almost anything in your company.
On the marketing side, this can help you shorten the time spent on time-consuming tasks and reduce the risk of human error. Additionally, you can usually find new, unique ways of reaching and converting more prospective customers thanks to these automation tools.
What is great is that there are so many possibilities available for all budgets. So, if you are just starting out, and want to start capitalizing on your LinkedIn, for example, you can look for a LinkedIn marketing software solution that will suit your unique budget and company. Many people also, ask, "How much is LinkedIn premium?" which is a relevant question and consideration to get more traction on the platform.
This came out as the number one frustration with marketing agencies. Brands and companies seem to be under the impression that once they spend money on a marketing agency, magic should just naturally happen.
That is not the case at all. In fact, the marketing agency can only do so much with what they are given. Well-produced content can only get you so far. So, if you want to extend your reach and reach new audiences, you need a budget.
Social posts, as well as paid ads with Google, need a budget to be able to reach audiences beyond just your fans and followers. Sponsor some of your social posts. Choose keywords and spend some money on paid ads. You will be seen by more people and increase your conversion rates.
Again, marketing agencies simply shake their heads in frustration with clients. Just because your website is up and running, and you are posting one or two social posts a week, doesn’t mean you will land new customers immediately; these things take time and effort.
It takes several months of continuous content and regular posts going up to actually start making an impact. In fact, the average amount of time for a digital marketing strategy to start getting some traction is usually around six months.
This means weekly or bi-weekly blogs, several social posts across several channels a week, link-building, emails, paid ads, and SEO.
The more content you publish, and the more budget you have to spend on this content, the more reach you will get. So, stop expecting your agency to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
In conclusion, look for an agency that understands you and provides you with key insights into what they are doing at all times. But, work with them on ideas and experiment with them on content. The more you put out, the more you will get in.